Routine cleanings and exams are the keys to preventing oral disease. We make these visits comfortable and fun!
Keeping Little Smiles Healthy and Bright
At PDS, our pediatric dentists and licensed hygienists make dental cleanings and exams fun, gentle, and educational for kids. These routine visits not only banish pesky, hardened plaque (tartar) that you can’t get rid of at home, but they also help children develop a rapport with the dentist and lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits.
What to Expect During a Kids’ Dental Cleaning and Exam
From the moment you step into our office, we prioritize your child’s comfort. Our team uses kid-friendly terms and fun demonstrations to introduce the tools we’ll be using, which can significantly reduce any jitters your little one may be feeling. Depending on your child’s age and needs, we may or may not take low-dose digital x-rays at this appointment.
Step 1
Dental Cleaning:
An experienced hygienist will carefully remove soft plaque and tartar, and brush and floss your child’s teeth. The hygienist will share tips to help your child improve their oral hygiene routine and finish with a fluoride treatment.
Step 2
Oral Exam:
The pediatric dentist will then perform a gentle oral exam to evaluate your child’s teeth and gums, checking for any signs of decay, alignment issues, and other concerns.
Step 3
Chat With the Dentist:
The dentist will share personalized guidance and recommendations and answer any questions. We’ll wrap up by sending your child to claim their prize!
Benefits
01.
Fights Plaque and Cavities
Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing can’t eliminate, reducing your child’s risk of cavities and gum disease.
02.
Keeps Smiles Growing Strong
Exams allow us to monitor your child’s development, ensuring their teeth and jaws are growing as they should. The visits also support early detection, which means quicker, easier treatment.
03.
Builds Healthy Habits
During these visits, we teach you and your child how to care for their teeth and gums. We provide personalized recommendations and tips to help your kiddo maintain A+ oral health at home.
FAQ
At what age should my child start seeing the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend children have their first dental exam by age 1. This is because a child can get a cavity as soon as their first tooth erupts. These early visits help little ones get used to the sights and sounds of the dental office, give families the opportunity to learn about their child’s oral health, and ensure kids’ smiles are developing appropriately.
Are dental cleanings and exams painful?
Not at all! A dental cleaning and exam doesn’t involve the use of needles or a drill. We use gentle techniques and state-of-the-art tools to make the experience comfortable and efficient.
What if my child is nervous about their appointment?
We specialize in working with kids! In fact, pediatric dentists attend at least two years of specialty training after dental school to learn specifically how to care for children. We are well-versed in tried-and-true behavioral techniques to put kids at ease. We also have ceiling-mounted TVs in some exam rooms and hypoallergenic comfort animals that are ready to cuddle with nervous patients.
How long does a cleaning and exam take?
A dental exam and cleaning for kids takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your child’s age and specific needs.
